On November 23, 2025, with a heart of gratitude, Dr. Michael Youssef announced that after 39 years as Senior Pastor of The Church of The Apostles, he plans to enter a new season of ministry and transition the role of Senior Pastor to Dr. Jonathan Youssef.
He shared that over the previous year, a group of faithful church leaders joined him in prayer, seeking God’s will for the next chapter at Apostles. Throughout that time of discernment, God gave them clarity, peace, unity, and confirmation.
Watch now to hear Dr. Michael Youssef’s announcement as well as detailed information on the process taken to confirm Dr. Jonathan Youssef as the next Senior Pastor of The Church of The Apostles.
After graduating with a B.A. in History from Auburn University, Jonathan began working in politics. While he enjoyed this experience immensely, it was during this time that he felt the Lord stirring him toward ministry. He developed a clear conviction that this was his path, despite his fears and self-doubt.
In 2009, he started seminary, unsure of what the future would hold.
Jonathan realized that he needed to develop his preaching skills. Through seminary, his experiences serving at a church in Australia, and doctoral studies in California, he gained not only knowledge but wisdom through mentorship and hands-on experience.
Effective preaching involves understanding people’s struggles, walking with them in grief, praying with them in desperation, and connecting with their real-life experiences.
“You do have to have a real heart for your people, for the Word, and then you are the vehicle, by the power of the Spirit, of taking the Word, presenting it, teaching it, and opening it to your people. What a privilege!”
It’s this empathy that has shaped him into a communicator – and a pastor – who truly cares.
Jonathan is deeply aware of the question that may arise as he steps into the role his father has held for 39 years – is this just a family business? He wants every member to know that church leaders (including him) aren’t simply “shuffled in” – they are carefully prepared, trained, and examined for the role. He underwent a rigorous year-long process before the announcement of the transition. Click here to learn more about the full transition process.
Serving as Director of Ministries at Apostles over the last few years, Jonathan oversaw all pastors and staff. This great responsibility over the day-to-day ministries of the church helped prepare him for this next season.
Jonathan and the staff have a shared passion for real-life impact: walking with people through grief, clarifying the gospel for seekers, discipling believers, and building a community that reflects Christ’s love.
“The definition of success isn’t just the amount of people coming in the doors; the definition of success is really the effect of the work of ministry that we’re doing…being good ambassadors of Christ and His gospel.”
Jonathan is confident that God will continue to use this church mightily as He has for the past 39 years. While change is never easy, Jonathan and the entire team are prayerfully committed to making this transition as seamless as possible.
We are a nation and community divided on many fronts– age, race, politics, and socioeconomic status. But through our shared faith in Christ, church is a place that can bring people together.
“We have this one thing in common, and it is superior in our lives over anything else that could potentially divide us.”
Apostles is very blessed to have a multigenerational congregation, where older and younger members share their wisdom and experiences as they serve the Lord together.
As we grow together, it is vital that we stay unified in Christ, learn from one another, and pass on faith and knowledge to the next generation.
From cradle to grave, the church is here to help every person grow mature in Christ, guiding members to live out their faith in every season of life.
Our desire is to be a church that exalts Christ wholeheartedly, engages people graciously, equips disciples biblically, and extends resources generously.
The church isn’t just a place to “come in, fill up, and go.” Jonathan encourages everyone to ask, “What role can I play?” – reminding us that building a thriving, Christ-centered community is a shared effort. Each person contributes with their unique gifts, working together as a unified body under Christ, who is the true head of the church.
“Our goal and our vision is for you to come in, be warmly received, accepted, loved, and experience all the blessings that come with being part of a covenant community. And then allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in your life to grow you, to nurture you.”